8 Points for Peace

An advisory note to members of the Israeli Knesset.

We are currently involved in high level contacts to formulate a peace plan for the Middle East.

A comprehensive agreement will benefit the entire world. But unfortunately it is not easy to achieve, given the highly complex dynamics in the region and beyond.

Please consider the following points when navigating this process.

1) If you disseminate a long list of reasons why Israel will lose if the peace process is delayed, you may convince the enemies of peace to wait without any need to accommodate any of Israel's needs. The Palestinians and the Arab neighbors must understand that they have a lot to gain from a durable peace, and a lot to lose from a region in turmoil.

2) If you support the immediate creation of an independent Palestinian state – without first eliminating the terror infrastructure, without implementing education for peace, and without the removal of vicious anti-Israeli propaganda in the schools and media – then the Palestinian population and leadership will not proceed toward a serious peace agreement.

I spoke to Dennis Ross, just after the failure of the Oslo Accord, and he told me that one of the most important reasons for the failure of the peace process was the lack of preparation of the Arab street, by their leadership, to agree to peace.

3) Should the Palestinians achieve an independent state without a peace agreement with Israel, all the forces of evil (Iran, Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah and Turkey, to name a few) will be delighted to use that territory to expand malicious plans against Israel and the free world.

4) A serious educational effort must precede any relinquishing of land, to explain the true historical facts as they relate to occupation, refugees and the rights of the Jews in the region. Once those in the region and around the world understand Israel's just cause, they will respect Israel’s willingness to make real sacrifices for a true peace, and will support the Israeli demand for security measurements.

Most people who correctly understand the situation support Israel.

As of now, most people who correctly understand the situation support Israel, but those convinced by propaganda still think that Israel is occupying not only Jerusalem and the territories, but also Tel Aviv, Haifa and Beer Sheva. Therefore, premature evacuation of large territories will only embolden the enemies of Israel to demand even more concessions.

5) I appreciate your trust in the good intentions of many world leaders, but unfortunately, if Israel shows weakness it will encourage many of them to tighten the screws on Israel, hoping to gain benefits and favors from the larger Islamic Middle East. Many Arab leaders have made it clear that their willingness to negotiate with Israel is only another stage in the greater plan to liquidate the “Infidel State” in the Middle East – before intensifying their efforts to take over Europe and later the USA.

The international community is too busy with itself and will have no patience with a weak Israeli entity the same way they have totally ignored Lebanon and other problematic states.

6) After so many years, Israel still has major problems accommodating the 8,000 individuals who were removed from Gaza (Gush Katif). Imagine what will happen if Israel tries to remove many more people from the West Bank. In a true peaceful agreement, Jewish families should be able to live securely under a Palestinian rule, the same way that Arabs live peacefully in Israel and enjoy equal rights as Israeli citizens.

The Palestinian people must not continue to be oppressed by self-serving leaders.

7) Building a strong Palestinian economy and extensive international relations, without a serious change in their anti-Israeli education and political intentions, will create an even more dangerous and aggressive opponent who will be better financed and better equipped to fight and oppose Israel. This will not be helpful even for the Palestinian people, who will continue to be oppressed by self-serving leaders.

8) We cannot rely on the UN or international observers to enforce a feeble agreement. The disarmament of Hezbollah, as supervised by the UN – following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and again following the 2006 war – was and still is a sad joke. (Hezbollah now has re-armed with 40,000 missiles.) We do not want to create a similar situation on the West Bank.

Conclusion

The salient question before any peace deal: Is there responsible Palestinian leadership courageous enough to make bold decisions toward a real peace, which is supported by a majority of the population?

The key points of any agreement must include:

1. End of conflict.

2. End of claims.

3. Recognition of Israel as the Jewish homeland.

4. Recognition that Israel is not occupying Arab land.

5. Recognition of the experience of Jewish, as well as Palestinian, refugees.

6. No cleansing of Jews from Palestinian territory, just as Israel does not advocate uprooting Arabs from Israel.

7. No reliance on outside enforcement.

8. Most importantly, serious educational effort must start immediately to promote peace, stop propaganda and dismantle terror infrastructure. Otherwise, what gets reinforced is the traditional teaching of Muhammad that permits deceiving the enemy in order to accumulate enough power to destroy them later, as he did to the tribe of the Quraish in Medina. This was one of Yasser Arafat’s favorite ways of explaining why he negotiated with Israel.

This will undoubtedly take a bit more time, but it is better to have a durable peace than a shaky interim pseudo-agreement.

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 23

(22)
Willie Gouws,
June 19, 2012 2:06 PM

Well said, but I don't like the peace signs.

Well said, but two things. Islam will not listen to reason, may even lie by accepting terms, but will turn around after reaching their objectives.
As for badly informed people, the worst are those who made up their minds on this false information. I'm a pastor of a renowned church, but has come upon some serious bias just because of deep down inability to accept biblical truths about the Land, the Jews/Israel, and the Almighty and true God's (Hashem) way of doing things.
However, Israel and the Jewish people, you have real friends and millions of them. You are actually the only thing that is right in this world and we will defend you with our lives. Count on it. The peace sign however is offending to us, it resembles the same as the swastika, a broken cross. And those forces have always been against both of our groups. We love you guys. Shalom

Richard Webber,
June 19, 2012 11:06 PM

Affirmation

Great response, and agree totally.

(21)
rick moore,
March 12, 2012 12:32 AM

outstanding

must read

(20)
YJ Draiman for Council,
December 21, 2010 3:48 AM

An interesting questionnaire for Palestinian Advocates

An interesting questionnaire for Palestinian Advocates
If you are so sure "Palestine, the country, goes back through most of recorded history," I expect you to be able to answer a basic questions about that country of Palestine:
1. When was it founded and by whom?
2. What were its borders?
3. What was its capital?
4. What were its major cities?
5. What constituted the basis of its economy?
6. What was its form of government?
7. Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat?
8. Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation?
9. What was the language of the country of Palestine ?
10. What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine ?
11. What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese Yuan on that date.
12. And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur?
You are lamenting the "low sinking" of a "once proud" nation.
Please tell me, when exactly was that "nation" proud and what was it so proud of?
Here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people that are mistakenly called "Palestinians" are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over

(19)
YJ Draiman for Council,
December 12, 2010 2:20 PM

• Honor, Honesty and Integrity these are not just words

• Honor, Honesty and Integrity these are not just words
At times we feel maybe justified in violating a part of our own integrity.
We don’t measure the effect that by doing so, the amount of damage
that it does to others as well as to our own soul.
We speak of justice; we speak of honesty and doing the right things in
life. We are sometimes confronted not so much by the violation of
these principles but by the impact they have on our own spirit.
Feeling betrayed by those you trust, who have in some way acted in a manner that you may never understand,
will have an impact on your life. This may only be for a moment or maybe a lifetime;
each person has their own emotional point of tolerance to transgressions that may have been committed by even the most trusted among you.
These words are what make’s us civilized. They are the fundamentals
of our own character. We can not be responsible for someone else’s
behavior but we are in total control of our own. Our behavior in any
setting should be guided by these words.
We can forgive others, but it is not easy for us to forgive ourselves
when it is our actions that bring forth circumstances that no one
wants. I have felt recently that betrayal, that dishonest act that just
hurts and saddens the soul. Of course, that does not make that person
bad or evil. It is an act that does not help for the survival of a group.
I believe in the biblical statement that vengeance is the Lord’s it is not
mine to give. When dealing with anyone in any capacity honesty is the
guide. Integrity is the path to take. Honor is yours to own. Weep as
you may for an infraction of another upon you; forgive as that
transgression will also corrupt your soul to a deeper distrust of all.
For the transgressor it will be easy to do that which they may feel is
right, though the action violates all honor or self respect which creates
havoc and chaos on others. Maybe to be honest will allow one to sleep
at night.

(18)
Gary Katz,
November 18, 2010 5:29 AM

The incitement must stop first

Let's not put the cart before the horse. Arab leadership must eliminate the institutional hatred they spoon feed to their constituency. Even if some sort of final agreement is reached, hate cannot be turned off like a light. Even the youngest Arab generation is poisoned with it. Under these circumstances, the only result of an independent "Palestine" will be the most massive war of them all. It's inevitable, especially with Iran and Hezbollah egging them on.

(17)
Samuel Meidonick,
November 11, 2010 6:52 PM

First step for negociating Pa. state=Recognition State of Isreal

No,2 All Hostile acts eminating from Arab sides toward Isreal must stop.
Reeducation of both young and old for Peaceful coexistance.Garenties must accompany By Arab World.

(16)
YJ Draiman,
October 22, 2010 9:17 PM

NO PALESTINIAN STATE – No land concessions R4.

NO PALESTINIAN STATE – No land concessions R4.
Imagine that the various people who settled in the United States for the past 300 years decided one day that they one to parcel the United States into an independent State just for them, would the American public go for it. The Answer is absolutely NO.
The situation in Israel today is no different. The Arabs there are not Palestinians, there is no such Arab nation as Palestine or Palestinian people.
Europeans countries today are consisting of numerous people from other countries. Would the Europeans people cede part of their country to set up another State in their midst. The answer is absolutely NO.
All the Arabs in Israel and surrounding areas are from the various Arab nations, such as Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and other Arab nations.
Prominent PLO Arab says there are no 'Palestinians' and no "Palestine"
PLO executive committee member Zahir Muhsein admitted in a March 31, 1977 interview with a Dutch newspaper Trouw.
"The Palestinian people do not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct 'Palestinian people' to oppose Zionism. "
The Qur'an 17:104 - states the land belongs to the Jewish people
017.104
YUSUFALI: And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land (of promise)": but when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd.
YJ Draiman.
PS
20 Years of Research Reveals Jerusalem Belongs to Jews
We must unleash the wrath of G-D against the enemies of Israel and those collaborating with the enemy.

(15)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2010 11:10 PM

Talking about concessions just encourages the terror

A generally well written article.
Just one quick point to add and that is when Israel talks even mentions concessions Arab terror is embolden.
What about 'quid pro quo'?
We gave back unilaterally Gaza / Gush Katif and yet
Why haven't the Palestinians recognised Israel? Why haven't they stopped terror? Why do their TV networks spew forth such vile anti semitism anti Israel propaganda? Why do Palestinian kids in their so call enlightened religious Hamas sponsored schools teach hate and vitriol?
No more stupid talk about concessions with the Palestinians their actions indicate clearly they don't want peace. They just spit in our faces and laugh at us and think we're suckers for giving back land and tearing up communities.
What meshugas? Why speak about concessions with the corrupt Holocaust denier 'Abbas' and his cronies in the terrible Palestinian leadership or fantatical hate laden Hamas Jihadists they don't want peace so why do we need to talk concessions?
We're supposed do be a clever people so why don't our leadership get smart??? Say "no" to the terror.

(14)
Andy,
October 18, 2010 4:05 PM

Is it possible to dictate or even influence the goals of others?

It seems to me almost inconceivable that the Islamic world will accept a Jewish State in Israel as legitimate before messianic times. It's probably comparable to asking Orthodox Jews to stop praying for a rebuilt temple and an ingathering of exiles. An extended truce where there is an ability for all people to live "normal" lives there seems to me the most realistic goal. Those against this idea will make certain that any cold peace will be tested and Israel may have to respond harshly and give up on trying to be both Jewish and Democratic. Rights of Arab citizens may have to be limited as it seems to me that many have demonstrated that they cannot be trusted to be loyal to a Jewish State. Will the Jewish world accept that option?Will the world powers allow it? How much independence does Israel truly have? The answers to those questions are unknown to me. Most of the Arab world feels that time is on their side and if they can make the quality of life for Israelis [both Jew and Arab] unpleasant enough, make Jews in Israel and their supporters Int'l pariahs, and create greater disunity among Jews [ sadly often not very difficult]they'll weaken the Jews resolve to keep their Jewish homeland .I believe that most Jews in Israel agreed to an Oslo style two state solution with a nuclear armed Israel and demilitarized Palestinian State within modified 67 borders in return for recognition of a Jewish State with security guarantees, but that was rejected by the Palestinians. I don't see any sign or reason to envision a change of heart.

(13)
Larry Snider,
October 18, 2010 11:33 AM

Peace for two peoples

As the whole world learns to build and utilize increasingly sophisticated weapons it is ever more urgently necessary to seek and find a means to make peace between Israelis and Palestinians. I happen to believe that it is vitally important for the international community led by the United States to require Palestinians and Israelis alike to undertake a national educational program to prepare both publics for the end of hostilities, the acceptance of terms and the realities of peace on the ground. Security is non-negotiable and must be built into the final status agreement. There have been too many deaths and too many orphans on both sides to let this opportunity slip away.

(12)
Saul Pillai,
October 18, 2010 7:49 AM

On Deaf Ears

The Knesset may hear you but the Arab Muslims will not!!!. They who claim their religion is a religion of peace are the ones who shoot rockets into peaceful neighborhoods (not just in Israel).
It must be understood that the war of Islam on the Jews is integral to the Islamic faith (no matter how often moderate Muslims may be apologetic about it) It is stated in the Quran. At the end times even the tree will call out to the Muslim and say that there is a Jew hiding behind me… Kill him.
To the Arab Muslim and the majority of Muslims, the Palestinian Israeli conflict is important because it represents a unifying focal point for Muslims who are otherwise divided in terms of denomination (Shia, Sunni, Ibadi, Wahabi…), clerics, fatwas, interpretation of Syahria law etc. Just think about it, without this conflict would Iran’s president (a Shia) find acceptance and regards in a Sunni majority Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC)? - They will never sue for peace unless it’s solely on their terms.
Another point to consider is that the idea of equal status is not existant in Islam. In their long history, there has been no Muslim country that treated their minority non-Muslim population as anything else apart from a second class dhimmi (protected person). This is straight from the Prophet Mohammad’s example when he formulated the Madinah Charter (an agreement to live alongside Jews, Christians and pagans in the Hejaz). The end result today is, no religions apart from Islam can be practiced in the Hejaz.

(11)
Robert,
October 18, 2010 6:51 AM

Peace comes when state of war ends

Peace with a group throwing spears was wrong ions
ago and is still wrong today with rockets and mortars
bombarding Israel and training of babies to fight later.

(10)
Samson,
October 18, 2010 6:21 AM

"Palestinians"

Yet the fact is there is no such thing in reality.
They are Arabs and if they just can't handle living in Israel then make Syria give you a large piece of land and name it Palestine.
Maybe a Roman Emperor can help you with that.

(9)
Bob Abulafia,
October 18, 2010 5:22 AM

We need to look at ourselves

You have made valid points and I support each one of them but what is missing is a single mention of anything we have done that has contributed to the suffering of Palestinians.Look I love Israel I have family and friends living there. I know most of the problem comes from the other side but we are not perfect and we have not always behaved in a way that would promote peace.The Torah teaches us to first look at ourselves and see if we need to make changes.
One point might be the continued settlements on the west bank most Israelis are against them they only strengthen hamas and weaken Fatah, they send a bad message to the Palestinian people reinforcing the hateful education they have grown up with.

(8)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2010 4:07 AM

It's all about education

Imagine if a Palestinian population that is not educated for peace and tolerance were suddenly handed their independence. Even if there were free elections, the population would very likely elect an unenlightened Islamic, terrorist government, bent on the destruction of both the State of Israel and the values of freedom of speech and religion that all enlightened countries hold dear.
Think it can't happen? It already did in Gaza.

(7)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2010 3:34 AM

G-d's gifts are not given AWAY

G-d gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people. It is a sacred gift and is NON-TRANSFERABLE. There will never be "relinquished" land for a "Palestinian" State. The so-called "Palestinians" are entirely a fabricated group of Arabs who have been exiled from their own Arab countries. NO ONE should opine without researching the history - and there can be no peace if the Jewish people betray their G-d by being coerced or convinced to give away His sacred trust.

(6)
TMay,
October 18, 2010 12:50 AM

and

I really like your 6'th point. I would add that if Israel decides on a building freeze by Jews the freeze should include a building freeze by Palestinians too.

(5)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2010 10:27 PM

Excellent suggestions

Why is there no discussion here or anywhere about the letter sent to SOS Clinton from Peace Now for Israel?

(4)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2010 8:11 PM

Su., 10/17/10 common era
The proposed 2-State Solution would quickly become a 2-State Final Solution 2. Fellow Jews, don't be suckers! Abbas is trying to implement the "Strategy of Phases" 1st declarred in 1964, when our Ishmaelite cousins occupied the EAST BANK. At least Hamas and Hezbollah are honest about their common goal.

(3)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2010 7:42 PM

Read Prof. Aumann

See what Prof. Aumann says on pursuing peace. Aumann is a G-d fearing Jew who won the Nobel prize for Economics on his subject of game theory.
He maintains that pursuing peace does not work and has never worked.
We should be ready for war, both materially and spiritually, then peace may come our way.
Since the Arab agenda is the destruction / dismemberment / dissolution of the "zionist entity" by any means, fair or foul, we Jews delude ourselves in thinking that by us wishing peace it will happen.
We pray thrice daily for peace but we still need to proceed armed.

(2)
Kathleen,
October 17, 2010 5:28 PM

Have the Arab Palestinians jinxed themselves?

Year after year we find peace is no closer. Year after year Arab Palestinians' losses multiply. They have no leaders who understand or can grasp the well-being of their people and are trapped in erroneous interpretations of the Quran.
Worse, they ignore the Quran's commands to honor the Jewish people and their covenants with G-d. So maybe they're not successful because their G-d is angry.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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